Historical Society of Orange Park

Preserving the HIstory of Orange Park

Vision Statement

The Historical Society of Orange Park exists to educate the community about the rich and dynamic history of the greater Orange Park, Florida area including the contributions of those individuals, civilian and military, that shaped our past and enriched the present.

Mission Statement

To accomplish our objective, the Society collects, preserves and displays historical artifacts and relics of the past. We research and document topics of local interest then share these stories with the community. We collect, preserve and display printed and digital materials of historical value. We arrange or facilitate educational and historical tours, field trips, exhibitions and displays for residents of the greater Orange Park, Florida area.

Get Involved

We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. The Society has opportunities for research, community service and leadership, offering the chance to learn and share local history in a variety of ways. Opportunities include digitizing historical documents, helping with podcast creation, live-history re-enactment and more. We offer people of all ages a chance to help others tell the story. By joining the Society, even if for just one project, you will be fascinated by what there is to learn.

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Thank You

Get Involved

Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you! We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.

Clarke House Tours

The Clarke House, built in 1912 and located in Clarke House Park, 1039 Kingsley Avenue, is open for tours the second Sunday of each month from 2 PM to 4 PM. Sunday afternoons are the perfect time for a leisurely tour of the house, both upstairs and downstairs.

Orange Park Memories

The Society is highlighting Orange Park businesses each first-of-the-month throughout 2025, one from the town’s early days and one which will be recognizable to many locals. This month we remind folks of the Fisk Tire Company and Horton’s Garage.

Fisk Tires, shown here in the business district on Kingsley Ave., offered full automotive services in the 1940’s as the town became a go-between for Jacksonville and Green Cove Springs. Many commuter businesses were established during the 1940s and ‘50s including motels, tea rooms/diners and service stations like this one.

Cars first arrived in Orange Park in 1913, and a new industry began. Three generations of JC Horton’s family (pictured) worked in the Horton Garage, from 1957 to 2016. Locals knew they could get good work done with honesty. Horton’s Garage was a fixture in Orange Park for many years however, as the town grew, the Horton’s property increased in value until it became prudent to sell. The land was sold to Orange Park Medical Center to provide room for the expansion of their operations.

CARRIE CLARKE dAY

Join Us for Carrie Clarke Day!

All hands on deck! March 8th is Carrie Clarke Day, our annual opportunity to let the community know just how special Mrs. Clarke was. We need all able-bodied members (and their guests) to help make the event special.

Activities being planned by the Society include historical house tours, tool demonstrations in the shed, old fashioned games, art demonstrations by the Art Guild, selfies with historic hats, the annual Pea-can vs Puh-can name contest and more. The Lions Club will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for the first time in several years! The Garden Club of Orange Park will decorate the Clarke House with a not-to-be-missed collection of fresh floral arrangements.

Help is needed leading tours, sharing Society information, and helping with the activities above. It takes a team! The event will be open to the public from 11AM-4 PM. Help setting up and clearing away would also be helpful. Please email us at info@ophistory.org if you would like to volunteer.

Quarterly Members Meeting

Heroes, Legends, Histories and Mysteries

Please join us at 5:30 PM, Tuesday, March 18 at the Orange Park Library for our next Quarterly Member Meeting. Bob Scallan will present "Heroes, Legends, Histories, and Mysteries". Bob will delve into the lesser-known aspects of Clay County's history, presenting intriguing narratives that highlight obscure events and figures. Bob will explore a range of topics, including the enigmatic Humanzee, unsolved sheriff murders, the historical significance of covered bridges, the contributions of Washington Gano Benedict, the founder of Orange Park, and the mysteries surrounding unmarked graves in Magnolia Cemetery. His examination will reveal compelling stories from the community that may be unfamiliar to many residents, inviting them to discover the rich and hidden history of their surroundings. We hope you will join us.